JP2022546244A - Aerosol delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A cartridge (2, 200) for an aerosol delivery system (1) comprising a cartridge (2, 200) and a control unit (4), the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing an aerosolizable material. The cartridge (2, 200) comprises an air channel extending from an air inlet (50) through an aerosol generating region to an outlet (60) and a reservoir (31) for containing an aerosolizable material (207). . The cartridge further comprises an aerosolizable material level observation means (205) for allowing a user to observe the level of the aerosolizable material (207). The aerosolizable material level viewing means (205) may comprise a contoured surface (300) located on the face (301, 302) of the cartridge (2, 200), the interaction of light with the contoured surface (300). The action improves the visibility of the aerosolizable material level (207). [Selection drawing] Fig. 12A

Description

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes and the like).

Electronic aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), generally contain an aerosol precursor material, such as a source liquid reservoir containing a formulation typically containing nicotine, or a solid, such as a tobacco-based product, from which the aerosol is generated for inhalation by the user, eg, via thermal evaporation. Accordingly, the aerosol delivery system typically comprises a vaporizer, e.g., a heating element, arranged to vaporize a portion of the precursor material to produce an aerosol in an aerosol-generating region of an air channel through the aerosol delivery system. Will. When a user draws on the device and power is supplied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet holes, along air channels, to the aerosol-generating region, and there. Air mixes with the vaporized precursor material in to form a condensation aerosol. Air drawn through the aerosol-generating region continues along the air channel to the mouthpiece opening, carries some aerosol with it, and exits through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

It is common for aerosol delivery systems to have modular assemblies, often having two main functional parts: a control unit and a disposable/replaceable cartridge part. Typically, the cartridge portion includes the consumable aerosol precursor material and atomizer, while the control unit portion includes rechargeable batteries, device control circuitry, activation sensors, and user interface features such as; Will have longer lifespan items. The control unit is sometimes called the reusable part or battery section and the replaceable cartridge is sometimes called the disposable part or cartomizer.

The control unit and cartridge are mechanically coupled together at an interface for use, for example using threads, bayonet, latches or friction fit fixings. When the cartridge's aerosol precursor material is exhausted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol precursor material, the cartridge may be removed from the control unit and replaced. The cartridge may be attached to the device in its fixed position.

A potential drawback of cartridges containing liquid aerosol precursors (e-liquids) is the risk of leakage. An e-cigarette cartridge typically includes a mechanism for drawing the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material reservoir, e.g. , capillary wick. Because there is a fluid transport path from the aerosolizable material reservoir through the cartridge into open air channels, there is a corresponding risk of the aerosolizable material escaping from the cartridge. Leakage is undesirable both from an end-user's point of view, who naturally does not want e-liquid to reach their hands or other items, and from a reliability point of view as well, because the control This is because leakage from the end of the cartridge connected to the unit can damage the control unit, for example due to corrosion. Some approaches to reduce the risk of leakage may include restricting the flow of aerosolizable material to the vaporizer, for example by tightly clamping the wick entering the air channel. In normal use, the aerosolizable material picked up by the wick is sufficient to keep the vaporizer cool (i.e. the ideal operating temperature), but not enough aerosolizable material is picked up (e.g. , the aerosolizable material in the reservoir moves low), this can lead to overheating and undesirable flavors in some scenarios.

Various approaches are described herein and are intended to help address or alleviate some of the challenges discussed above.

According to a first aspect of some embodiments there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level viewing means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

According to a second aspect of some embodiments there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising the cartridge and control unit from the first aspect,
a control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with the cartridge to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit;
A control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.

Features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention, and not only in the specific combinations described herein. It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention may be combined with other aspects of the present invention, if desired.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge (shown apart) and a control unit, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the components of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1; FIG. Fig. 2 is one of various cross-sectional views schematically showing a housing portion of a cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Fig. 1; Figure 2 is another one of various cross-sectional views schematically showing the housing portion of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is yet another of various cross-sectional views schematically showing a housing portion of a cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 schematically shows a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol delivery system of Figure 1; FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in FIG. 1 to form an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in FIG. 1 to form an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of another modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a third modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Figure 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in FIG. 1; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of a fifth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a first side perspective view schematically showing a fifth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a second side perspective view schematically showing a fifth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of a sixth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a first side perspective view schematically showing a sixth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a second side perspective view schematically showing a sixth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in Fig. 1; FIG. 10 is a first perspective view schematically showing a seventh modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a second perspective view schematically showing a seventh modified cartridge; FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an eighth modified cartridge for use with the control unit shown in FIG. 1;

Aspects and features of several examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of some examples and embodiments are routinely implemented and are not discussed/explained in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein, although not described in detail, may be implemented according to any conventional technique for practicing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to non-flammable aerosol delivery systems, sometimes referred to as aerosol delivery systems such as e-cigarettes. According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is one in which the aerosolizable materials that are components of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) are not combusted or incinerated for the purpose of facilitating delivery to a user. is. Aerosolizable materials, sometimes referred to herein as aerosol-generating materials or aerosol precursor materials, are capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. material.

Although the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used throughout the following description, it is understood that the terms can be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems/devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems/devices. Will. Note that while electronic cigarettes are also known as vaping devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not contingent.

In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for producing an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or more of which can be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material, or a solid aerosolizable material. Solid aerosolizable materials can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Typically, non-flammable aerosol delivery systems can include non-flammable aerosol delivery devices and articles for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices. However, it is envisioned that articles that themselves include means for powering an aerosol-generating component can themselves form a non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

In some embodiments, articles for use with non-flammable aerosol delivery devices include aerosolizable material (or aerosol precursor material), aerosol-generating component (or vaporizer), aerosol-generating area, mouthpiece, and /or may include an area for receiving an aerosolizable material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component is a heater that can interact with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating component can generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material without heating. For example, an aerosol-generating component can generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material without applying heat thereto, e.g., through one or more of vibratory, mechanical, pressurized or electrostatic means. can be generated.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosolizable material that can include an active ingredient, a carrier ingredient, and optionally one or more other functional ingredients.

The active ingredient, which can include one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active ingredients and is included in the aerosolizable material, is intended to achieve a user's physiological and/or olfactory response. It is to be. Active ingredients can be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychotropics. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived. Active ingredients may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. Active ingredients may comprise components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or of another botanical material. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiologically active ingredient, nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine tartrate/nicotine tartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or can be selected from a mixture of

In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and can be selected from "fragrances" and/or "flavorants", which are included in products intended for adult consumers where local regulations permit. It can be used to create a desired taste, smell or other somatosensory sensation. In some instances, such ingredients may be referred to as flavoring agents, flavoring agents, cooling agents, heating agents, and/or sweetening agents. They may be naturally occurring flavoring materials, botanical substances, extracts of botanical substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, Orange, Mango, Clementine, Lemon, Lime, Tropical Fruit, Papaya, Rhubarb, Grape, Durian, Dragonfruit, Cucumber, Blueberry, Mulberry, Citrus, Dranbuie, Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lavender, Aloe Vera, Cardamom, Celery, Cascarilla, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Kurt, Naswar, Betel, Shisha, Pine, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Orange Flower, Sakura Flower, Cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax , ginkgo nuts, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, roses, green and black teas, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, bell pepper, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, white basil, lemon basil, chives, kabi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), enhanced flavor bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, vegetable matter, or breath fresheners. They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g. liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases or one or more extracts (e.g. licorice, hydrangea, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, Menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Dranbuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascara, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey Essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang ylang, sage, fennel, green pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha ), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or breath fresheners. They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, eg oils, liquids or powders.

In some embodiments, flavorants include menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus and/or redberry flavoring ingredients. In some embodiments, the perfume comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavoring ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent is used to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is usually chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or alternatively to the scent and taste nerves. It may contain intended sensates, which may include substances that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. A suitable heating effect substance may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling substance may be, but not limited to, eucalyptol WS-3.

A carrier component can include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component is glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl One or more of suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional ingredients can include one or more of pH adjusting agents, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants. can.

As mentioned above, aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable part (control unit) and a replaceable (disposable) cartridge part. Devices that fit this type of two-part module configuration are sometimes commonly referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongated shape. For the purpose of providing specific examples, some embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise generally elongated two-part devices of this type and use disposable cartridges. . However, the underlying principles described herein may be used as other overall shape-fitting devices, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices, which typically have a more box-like shape. , can equally be employed for other e-cigarette configurations, eg, modular devices comprising more than two parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol delivery system/device (e-cigarette) 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Terms relating to the relative positioning of various aspects of an e-cigarette (e.g., top, bottom, top, bottom, top, bottom, etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the e-cigarette, as shown in FIG. used in writing (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated that this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate that there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.

The e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components, a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4 . Control unit 4 and cartridge 2 are shown separated in FIG. 1, but are coupled together in use.

Cartridge 2 and control unit 4 are coupled by establishing mechanical and electrical connections between them. The particular manner in which the mechanical and electrical connections are established has no primary predominance over the principles described herein, nor is it necessary to establish electrical connections between the two parts. In addition, it can be established according to conventional techniques, such as based on screw threads, bayonet, latches or friction fit mechanical fixation, with appropriately placed electrical contacts/electrodes. For example, the cartridge of the electronic cigarette 1 depicted in FIG. 1 includes a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54, with the interface end portion 6 positioned at the interface end of the cartridge and a corresponding receptacle of the control unit. 8/ Connected to the control unit by inserting into the receiving section. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge mates closely with the receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 that engage corresponding detents on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 to provide a release between the cartridge and the control unit. provide a possible mechanical engagement; Electrical connections are made between the control unit and the cartridge through a pair of electrical contacts (not shown in FIG. 1) at the bottom of the cartridge and corresponding spring-loaded contact pins (not shown in FIG. 1) at the base of receptacle 8. established through As noted above, the particular manner in which the electrical connection is established has no preponderance for the principles described herein, and in fact some implementations provide no connection between the cartridge and the control unit. It may have no electrical connection, for example because the transfer of power from the reusable part to the cartridge can be wireless (eg based on electromagnetic induction technology).

The electronic cigarette 1 has a generally elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. As shown in FIG. When the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, the total length (along the longitudinal axis) of this example electronic cigarette is about 12.5 cm. The overall length of the control unit is about 9 cm, and the overall length of the cartridge is about 5 cm (i.e., when they are mated together, between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the control unit: There is approximately 1.5 cm of overlap). Electronic cigarettes have a cross-section that is generally elliptical, being largest at about the center of the electronic cigarette and tapering in a curving fashion toward the ends. An approximately central cross-section of the electronic cigarette has a width of approximately 2.5 cm and a thickness of approximately 1.7 cm. The cartridge end has a width of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 0.6 mm, while the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the e-cigarette is formed from plastic in this example. It will be appreciated that the particular size and shape of the e-cigarette and the materials from which it is made are not of primary importance to the principles described herein and may differ in different implementations. be. That is, the principles described herein are equally applicable to electronic cigarettes having various sizes, shapes and/or materials.

Control unit 4 can be broadly general in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1, the control unit 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including a receptacle wall 12 defining a receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as described above. The outer housing 10 of the control unit 4 in this example has a generally oval cross-section at their interface that matches the shape and size of the cartridge 2 to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetrical when rotated 180 degrees so that the cartridge can be inserted into the control unit in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 is provided with two control unit air inlet openings 14 (ie holes in the wall). These openings 14 are arranged to align with air inlets 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in a different orientation. Some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge can be coupled to the control unit in only one orientation, while other implementations allow the cartridge to control in more orientations. It will be appreciated that it may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry so that it can be combined into units.

The control unit includes a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, a control circuit 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, user input buttons 20, an indicator light 22, a charging port 24; Further prepare.

The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and is of a conventional type, such as that commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications that require a relatively high current supply for a relatively short period of time. be able to. Battery 16 can be recharged via charging port 24, which can include, for example, a USB connector.

The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, including, for example, a spring-loaded component that can be depressed by a user to establish electrical contact with the underlying circuitry. In this regard, an input button can be considered an input device for detecting user input, eg, for triggering aerosol generation, and the particular manner in which the button is implemented has no preponderance. For example, other types of mechanical or touch-sensitive buttons (based on capacitive or optical sensing technology) could be used in other implementations, or buttons may not be present and the device A puff detector can be relied upon to trigger aerosol generation.

Indicator lights 22 provide the user with visual indications of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, such as indications of operating status (e.g., on/off/standby) and other characteristics such as battery life and failure status. established for Different features can be shown through different colors and/or different flash sequences, for example, generally according to the prior art.

The control circuit 18 is suitably configured/programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette so as to provide normal operating functions consistent with established technology for controlling electronic cigarettes. Control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 can be considered to logically include various subunits/circuitry elements related to various aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in various implementations, control circuitry 18 may include power control circuitry for controlling the delivery of power from the battery/power supply to the cartridge in response to user input; User programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings), as well as the principles and normal operating aspects of e-cigarettes described herein, such as indicator light display drive circuitry and user input detection circuitry. Other functional units/circuits related to the functionality can be provided according to. The functionality of the control circuit 18 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as one or more appropriately programmed programmable computer(s) and/or to provide the desired functionality. It will be understood to use one or more suitably configured application specific integrated circuit(s)/circuit(s)/chip(s)/chipset(s) configured to .

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 includes housing portion 32 , air channel seal 34 , dividing wall element 36 , outlet tube 38 , vaporizer/heating element 40 , aerosolizable material transport element 42 , plug 44 and contact electrode 46 . and an end cap 48 with a. Figures 3-6 schematically depict some of these components in more detail.

FIG. 3A is a schematic cutaway view of housing portion 32 through longitudinal axis L, where housing portion 32 is at its thinnest. FIG. 3B is a schematic cutaway view of housing portion 32 through longitudinal axis L, where housing portion 32 is widest. FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the housing portion along longitudinal axis L from interface end 54 (ie, viewed from below in the orientation of FIGS. 3A and 3B).

Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 when viewed from below. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view through the upper portion of the dividing wall element 36 when viewed from below.

5A is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from above, and FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from below. FIG. 5C is a schematic view of plug 44 along longitudinal axis L as viewed from mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (ie, viewed from above with respect to the orientation of FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of end cap 48 from above. FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L viewed from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (ie, from above).

The housing portion 32 in this example comprises an outer housing wall 64 and an inner housing tube 62, which in this example are formed from a single molded piece of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the exterior of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines part of the air channel through the cartridge. The housing portion is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for the mouthpiece opening/aerosol outlet 60 which is in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62 . Housing portion 32 includes openings in the sidewalls to provide air inlets 50 for the cartridge. The intake inlet 50 in this example has an area of approximately 2 mm ² . The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes projections 56 discussed above for engaging corresponding detents on the inner surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. provide a match. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion includes a further projection 66 which acts to provide an abutment stop for positioning the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 is further provided with holes to provide latch recesses 68 positioned to receive corresponding latch projections 70 on the end cap so that when the cartridge is assembled, the end cap is attached to the housing portion. fixed to

Outer wall 64 of housing portion 32 includes a double wall section 74 defining a gap 76 in fluid communication with air inlet 50 . Gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example, the double wall section 74 of the housing portion 32 is arranged so that the gap defines an air channel extending inside the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis and having a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. It is approximately 3 mm ² in the plane. The gap/portion of air channel 76 defined by the double wall section of the housing portion extends downward to the open end of housing portion 32 .

The air channel seal 34 is a silicone molding generally in the form of a tube having a hole 80 therethrough. The outer wall of air channel seal 34 includes peripheral ridge 84 and upper collar 82 . The inner wall of air channel seal 34 also includes peripheral ridges, which are not visible in FIG. When the cartridge is assembled, the air channel seal 34 is installed in the housing inner tube 62 with the end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partially into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34 . The air channel seal through hole 80 has a diameter of approximately 5.8 mm in its relaxed state, while the end of the housing inner tube 62 extends for the air channel seal 34 to accommodate the housing inner tube 62 . It has a diameter of approximately 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when pressed. This seal is facilitated by ridges on the inner surface of air channel seal 34 .

Outlet tube 38 comprises a tube section made, for example, of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene and has an inner diameter of approximately 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 88 with the ends of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90 . When the cartridge is assembled, outlet tube 38 is installed on the outer surface of air channel seal 34 . The outer diameter of the air channel seal is approximately 9.0 mm in its relaxed state such that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38 . This seal is facilitated by ridges 84 on the outer surface of air channel seal 34 . Collar 80 of air channel seal 34 provides a stop for outlet tube 38 .

Aerosolizable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and vaporizer 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wrapped around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of resistance wire wound into the capillary wick, the vaporizer includes electrical leads 41 that pass through holes in plugs 44 for contacting electrodes 46 mounted on end caps 54 so that electrical power is Allows the vaporizer to be supplied via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to the control unit. The vaporizer lead 41 can comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound on the capillary wick, or a different material (e.g., a lower resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound on the capillary wick. ) can be included. In this example, heater coil 40 includes nickel-iron alloy wire and wick 42 includes glass fiber bundles. Vaporizers and aerosolizable material-carrying elements can be provided according to any conventional technique and can include various formats and/or various materials. For example, in some implementations, wicks can include fibrous or solid ceramic materials, and heaters can include various alloys. In other examples, heaters and wicks can be combined, for example in the form of porous and resistive materials. More generally, it will be appreciated that the particular nature of the aerosolizable material transport element and vaporizer is not of primary advantage for the principles described herein.

When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38, so that the central portion of the wick around which the heating coil is wound is inside the outlet tube, while the ends of the wick. The outer portion is outside the outlet tube 38 .

The plug 44 in this example is constructed from a single piece of silicone and can be resilient. The plug comprises a base portion 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly (ie towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base portion 100 and surrounding the through hole 106 through the base portion 100 .

The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the housing portion 32 such that the plug 44 forms a seal with the housing portion 32 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the outlet tube 38 such that the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38 when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 108 with semi-circular recesses 110 at the ends of each slot. Extending outwardly (i.e., away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 that receives a section of aerosolizable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. is shaped as The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 of the outlet tube 38 are positioned within the cradle 112. Each containing one, the respective semi-circular recesses of the outlet tube and plug cooperate to define a hole through which the aerosolizable material-transporting element passes. The size of the hole, provided by the semi-circular recess through which the aerosolizable material-transporting element passes, corresponds closely to the size and shape of the aerosolizable material-transporting element, but is slightly smaller, such that it varies by some degree. compression is provided by the elasticity of the plug 44 . This allows the aerosolizable material to be transported along the aerosolizable material-transporting element by capillary action, while limiting the extent to which aerosolizable material that is not transported by capillary action can pass through the aperture. there is As mentioned above, plug 44 includes a further opening 114 in base portion 100 through which contact lead 41 for the vaporizer passes when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base portion of the plug includes a spacer 116 that maintains an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base portion and the end cap 48 . These spacers 116 include openings 114 through which electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporizer pass.

The end cap 48 is constructed from a polypropylene molding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted thereon.

The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are nearly flush with the interface ends 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48 . They are part of the electrodes to which the correspondingly aligned spring contacts of the control unit are connected when the cartridge is assembled and connected to the control unit. The ends of the electrode posts inside the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized for hole 114 and also include chamfers at their upper ends to facilitate insertion of plugs into hole 114, which are It is maintained in pressure contact with the contact lead for the vaporizer.

The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 that conforms to the inner surface of housing portion 32 . Upstanding walls 120 of end cap 48 are inserted into housing portion 32 so that latch projections 70 latch on housing portion 32 to snap fit end cap 48 onto the housing portion when the cartridge is assembled. engages recess 68; The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts the peripheral portion of the plug 44 and the underside of the spacer 116 on the plug also abuts the base section 124 of the plug, thus attaching the end cap 48 to the housing portion. When pressed, the resilient portion 44 is pressed to maintain a slight compression.

A base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112, the thickness corresponding to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing portion at the interface end of the cartridge. The end caps also include upstanding locating pins 122 that align with corresponding locating holes 128 in the plugs to help establish their relative placement during assembly.

The dividing wall element 36 is constructed from a single molded piece of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections oriented from the dividing wall 130 toward the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (ie the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, dividing wall element 36 can be integrally formed with outlet tube 38 . When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages the lower surface of the dividing wall 130 and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 engages the protrusion 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 . The dividing wall 130 thus prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing portion 32, i.e., the dividing wall 130 is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the projection 66 of the housing portion and such. This provides a plug with a fixing surface to be pressed. A collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections/tongues 134 that engage corresponding recesses in the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 . Protrusions from dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage a corresponding one of cradle sections 112 of portion 44 and, when the cartridge is assembled, the aerosolizable material. It further defines an opening through which the transport element passes.

When the cartridge is assembled, an air channel is formed extending through the cartridge from air inlet 50 to aerosol outlet 60 . Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing portion 32, a first section of air channel is provided by a gap 76 formed by a double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 to allow the air inlet 50 to flow into the cartridge. extends beyond the plug 44 toward the interface end 54 of the . A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of plug 44 and end cap 48 . A third portion of the air channel is provided by hole 106 through plug 44 . A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by an area inside the inner wall 104 of the plug and an outlet tube around the vaporizer 40 . This fourth portion of the air channel is sometimes referred to as the aerosol/aerosol-generating region, which is the primary region where aerosols are generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol-generating region is sometimes referred to as the air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of outlet tube 38 . A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by an outer housing inner tube 62 connecting the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60 . An air channel from the aerosol generation region that is the aerosol exit is sometimes referred to as the aerosol exit section of the air channel.

Also, when the cartridge is assembled, a reservoir 31 for the aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32 . It may be filled during manufacture, for example, through a subsequently sealed fill hole, or by other means. Certain properties of the aerosolizable material, e.g., in terms of its composition, have no major advantages over the principles described herein, and are generally comparable to conventional aerosolizable materials of the type commonly used in e-cigarettes. material is available. This disclosure may refer to the liquid as the aerosolizable material, which may be a conventional e-liquid as mentioned above. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material that has the ability to flow and may include liquids, gels, or solids, with respect to solids when multiple solid particles are considered a bulk. It can be considered to have the ability to flow.

The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by a plug 44 . The reservoir includes a first region above dividing wall 130 and a second region below dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolizable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 cradles the plug 44 and the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 of the outlet tube 38 and the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36, engaging each other as discussed above. through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by sections 112, 136, and . Thus, the end of the aerosolizable material-carrying element extends into the second region of the reservoir and from there draws the aerosolizable material through the air channel openings to the vaporizer 40 for subsequent vaporization. .

In normal use, cartridge 2 is coupled to control unit 4 and the control unit is activated to power the cartridge via contact electrodes 46 on end cap 48 . Power is then sent to vaporizer 40 through connecting lead 41 . The vaporizer is thus electrically heated, thus vaporizing a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material-transporting element in the vicinity of the vaporizer. This creates an aerosol in the aerosol-generating region of the air passageway. Aerosolizable material that is vaporized from the aerosolizable material-transporting element is replaced by more aerosolizable material that is drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporizer is activated, the user draws on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This draws air through the control unit air inlet 14 (depending on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the control unit receptacle 8) aligned with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge. Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double wall section 74 of the housing portion 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48, and thereafter passes through the cartridge. , enters the aerosol-generating region surrounding vaporizer 40 through hole 106 in base portion 100 of plug 44 . Incoming air mixes with the aerosol produced from the vaporizer to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and housing portion 62 before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation. / exit through the aerosol outlet 60;

7A and 7B, cross-sectional views of a modified cartridge 200 are schematically shown and used with the control unit 4 shown in FIG. 1 to form an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. do. Cartridge 200 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is based on the construction of cartridge 2 shown in FIGS. Consists of elements. For example, cartridge 200 defines a reservoir 31 extending around aerosol exit tube 38 . According to such an embodiment, reservoir 31 can be annular and configured to contain an aerosolizable material for aerosolization.

According to some embodiments, reservoir 31 includes a first end 31A proximal to aerosol outlet 60 of cartridge 200 and a second end 31B proximal to vaporizer 40. be able to. The cartridge, according to some embodiments, can include an elliptical cross-section 206, which can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge 200 (as shown in Figure 7B). As shown in FIG. 7B, elliptical cross-section 206 defines major and minor axes, which are axes that can be perpendicular to longitudinal axis L of cartridge 200 .

Referring to cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 7, a first modification to cartridge 2 shown in FIGS. This is to allow observation of the level of curable material 207 . Aerosolizable material level observer 205 can include one or more properties, which will now be described. According to some embodiments, aerosolizable material level observer 205 includes portion 208 of cartridge 200 . According to some embodiments, cartridge portion 208 includes a window 210 for viewing into reservoir 31 . Such a window is best shown in FIG. 7B, where window 210 is operable to allow the user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within reservoir 31 . Portion 208 of cartridge and/or window 210 can be translucent or transparent to aid in viewing the aerosolizable material within the reservoir. A possible material for the cartridge portion 208 is a plastic such as polypropylene.

It is envisioned that the cartridge portions 208 may be located in any portion or combination of portions of the cartridge 200 (note that such portions may or may not be located next to each other). In some particular embodiments, portion 208 of cartridge 200 can be located on any visible surface(s) and/or visible edge(s) of cartridge 200 . For example, in some embodiments, portion 208 of cartridge 200 includes a first front surface 209A, a second rear surface 209B opposite first surface 209B, and/or front and rear surfaces 209A and 209B. It can be located on any one or combination of side(s) 209C, 209D of cartridge 200 located between 209B. A portion 208 of the cartridge 200 is positioned at one or both of the intersections of the elliptical cross-section 206 with the edge(s) from the cartridge 200, e.g., the major axis and/or the minor axis. It may additionally/alternatively be located on any one or combination of first edge 211A and/or second edge 211B located between surface 209A and second surface 209B.

According to some embodiments, portion 208 of cartridge 200 can form first wall portion 212 of reservoir 31 with a reduced thickness, as shown in FIG. 7A. In such embodiments, the _first wall portion 212 can have a maximum thickness T1, which can be 3.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 1 mm. is less than or equal to As such, the reduced thickness can assist the user in observing the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir. For some embodiments of cartridge 200 , the reservoir can further include a second wall portion 214 . Thus, the first wall portion 212 can be more transparent/translucent than the respective transparency/translucency of the second wall portion 214 . As such, portion 208 and first wall portion 212 of cartridge 200 act to provide aerosolizable material level viewing means 205 . In view of the shape/structure of first wall portion 212 and second wall portion 214, each wall portion can span any portion or combination of portions of cartridge 200 (note that such portions may be adjacent to each other). (which may or may not be placed in the For example, in one embodiment, the first and/or second wall portions 212, 214 can be positioned at one or both of the intersections of the elliptical cross-section 206 with the major axis. Equivalently, the first and/or second wall portions 212, 214 can be located at one or both of the intersections of the elliptical cross-section 206 with the minor axis.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, first wall portion 212 can define a recess 220 in outer surface 222 of cartridge 200 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 7C, first wall portion 212 can define a recess 224 within reservoir 31 . In that embodiment, as shown in the embodiment also shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first wall portion 212 includes a maximum thickness that is less than the maximum thickness of the second wall portion 214. can be done. In some implementations, the thickness of the first wall portion 212 is uniform throughout the extent of the first wall portion 212 to provide consistent transparency/translucency throughout the wall portion 212. Helpful.

Aerosolizable material level observation means 205 allows the user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within reservoir 31, which in some embodiments varies the level of pigmentation of portions of the cartridge. This can be achieved by allowing this portion of the cartridge 200 to be more easily seen through. Thus, according to some embodiments, using the cartridge embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-7C as an example, the first wall portion 212 comprises a first concentration of colored pigment. , and the second wall portion 214 includes a second concentration of colored pigment, the first concentration being less than the second concentration. In such embodiments, the first wall portion 212 need not necessarily be thinner than the second wall portion 214 to achieve a means of observing the aerosolizable material level, because the first wall portion 212 This can be achieved through the reduced level of pigment used in the wall section.

In certain embodiments, the first concentration of colored pigment can be less than or equal to 1 g of pigment per kg of first wall portion. In other embodiments, the 1g value can be 0.9g or 0.85g. These reduced levels of pigment in the first wall portion 212 surprisingly exhibit effective levels of pigment and provide an aerosolizable material level observer 205 with good visual characteristics.

According to some embodiments, the amount of colored pigment in the second wall portion 214 is reduced to help contrast the visibility level provided to the first wall portion 212 through its reduced level of pigment concentration. The second concentration can be higher than 1 g of pigment per kg of the second wall portion. In other embodiments, the 1g value associated with this second wall portion 214 can be 1.3g or 1.6g.

In the above embodiments, it will be appreciated that any particular pigment(s) can be used as desired for each portion of the cartridge to provide the necessary visual properties for each such portion. Will. In one very particular embodiment, the pigments used may include one or more colorants and/or opaque material(s) that affect the visible properties of portions of the cartridge. For example, the pigment may include manganese ferrite black pigment (CAS No. 68186-94-7).

In terms of materials used for cartridge 200, in some embodiments, first wall portion 212 and/or second wall portion 214 may comprise/made of plastic. In some embodiments, first wall portion 212 can include a material that is different than the material of second wall portion 214 . By selecting the appropriate material for each portion of the cartridge, a suitable aerosolizable material level monitoring means 205 can be effectively provided.

A modified version of the cartridge 200 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is shown in cartridge 200 in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, it is envisioned that some embodiments of cartridge 200 may include a second window 240 to allow light into reservoir 31 . In some embodiments, as shown in that of FIG. 8A, the second window 240 can comprise a different shape (e.g., circular) than the shape of the first window 210 to provide an aesthetically pleasing effect. Although empty, the second window 240 can have the same or similar shape as the first window 210 in some implementations. In practice, the shape of each window can take several forms. For example, in some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 7A and 8A, the first window 210 can be elongated. As such, a wide variety of varying levels of aerosolizable material may be observed through first window 210 while the amount of aerosolizable material in reservoir 31 decreases during use of cartridge 200 .

To better prevent the user from obscuring the second window 240 while using the first window 210, according to some embodiments, shown in FIG. 8A As such, the first window 210 can be located on a first side 242 of the reservoir 31 and the second window 240 can be located on a second side 244 of the reservoir 31 opposite the first side 242 . Having the first and second windows opposite each other allows the flow of light through the second window 242 into the reservoir 31 and then out of the first window towards the user's eyes, for example. Increases the amount of light that passes through. This can be compared to the case where the windows 210, 240 are offset, where any light entering the cartridge 200 can interact with the walls of the reservoir 31 before exiting the first window 210. exit. Increasing the amount of light exiting the first window 210 can increase the user's ability to detect the level of aerosolizable material.

The dimensions of each window can vary depending on the application and size of cartridge 200. FIG. According to some embodiments, the first window 210 and/or the second window 240 can include a maximum dimension of 30 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less. The maximum dimension clause here states that none of the maximum length (L _max )/maximum width (W _max )/maximum thickness (T _max ) of each window shall exceed the amount quoted in millimeters. means in

Turning to the version of cartridge 200 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, according to some embodiments of cartridge 200, cartridge 200 is configured to inhibit visibility of at least one portion 252 of cartridge 200 by a user. can further comprise a cover means 250. According to some embodiments, cover means 250 may comprise an opaque sheet material(s) attached to a face of the cartridge, such as label 252, as shown in FIG. 9A. In some embodiments the cover means may comprise an opaque material such as an opaque plastic or metal forming part of the cartridge.

The provision of cover means 250 focuses the user's vision onto aerosolizable material level observation means 205, allowing the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31 to be observed. Thus, the provision of cover means 250 makes it easier for the user to see the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31 .

Covering means 250 inhibits visibility of at least portion 252 of cartridge 200 to assist in the function of covering means 250 to focus the user's vision onto aerosolizable material level viewing means 205 . In some embodiments, portion 252 comprises at least one of vaporizer 40, an aerosol-generating region, and/or air channels.

A further modified version of cartridge 200 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. As shown in these figures, in some embodiments of the cartridge 200, the aerosolizable material level viewing means 205 may include multiple markings 256 on the cartridge 200, although the user may select these multiple markings. It is envisioned that this is to allow the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31 to be gauged against markings 256 . Markings 256 may take any desired shape/size as appropriate for cartridge 200 and may be marked on the exterior and/or interior surfaces (such as any of surfaces 209A, 209B, 209C, 209D), or It can be located at an edge (such as edges 211A, 211B between front surface 209A and rear surface 209B) of cartridge 200, for example a surface within reservoir 31 that is also visible from portion 208 of cartridge 200. FIG. In certain embodiments, a plurality of markings 256 can be placed on the faces of the outlet tubes 38,62. In some embodiments, the plurality of markings can include multiple parallel lines 258 .

To improve visibility of markings 256, markings may be surrounded by portion 208 of cartridge 200 that is transparent and/or translucent, according to some embodiments. In that regard, the markings can be opaque.

To measure/quantify the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 200, in some embodiments the plurality of markings includes a text indicator 260 to measure the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 200. be able to. It is envisioned that the text marking will depend on the application of the cartridge 200, so in some particular embodiments the text indicator will be a multiple percentage between 0% and 100%, 0 to fractions between 1, volumetric amounts in imperial units, and/or volumetric amounts in metric units (exemplified volume V ₁ ml. . . as shown in FIG. 10B with reference to V ₉ ml).

According to some embodiments, the plurality of markings can be recessed into the face of cartridge 200 or alternatively can protrude from the face of cartridge 200 (as shown in FIG. 10B). In some embodiments, multiple markings 256 can protrude from the surface of and/or into reservoir 31 . In certain embodiments, the plurality of markings 256 are disposed on the first wall portion 212 of the reservoir 31 and the plurality of markings 256 protrude into the reservoir 31 .

The dimensions of the plurality of markings 256 can vary depending on the application and size of the cartridge 200. FIG. According to some embodiments, the plurality of markings 256 can have a combined maximum dimension of 30mm or less, preferably 20mm or less, more preferably 10mm or less. The phrase maximum dimension here means that the maximum length/width/thickness of the plurality of markings 256 must exceed the amount quoted in millimeters.

In terms of orientation of the plurality of markings 256, according to some embodiments, the plurality of markings and/or text indicators 260 can be oriented such that the cartridge 200 is configured to operate when the cartridge 200 is in normal use. (different from the first orientation) to allow the user to gauge the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir against these plurality of markings/text indicators from the first orientation shown. It must be flipped/rotated to a second orientation. An embodiment of such a cartridge is shown in the cartridges of FIGS. 10C-10E, and in the cartridge shown in FIGS. must be flipped from the first orientation to the second orientation (upside down from the first orientation upside down) to be able to measure the level of . Portion 208 of cartridge 200 can be disposed on at least one side(s) 209C, 209D of cartridge 200, as illustrated in the cartridges shown in FIGS. 10C-10E. In some embodiments, sides 209C, 209D can be slanted toward outlet 60 . 10C-10E and 10F-10H, portion 208 is arranged on two sides 209C, 209D, each of which faces first front face 209A of cartridge 200 and opposite front face 209B. and the second rear face 209B of the . Portion 208 of the cartridge of such embodiments as shown in FIGS. 10C-10E form a first wall portion 212 and each of sides 209C, 209D are separated from each other for viewing into reservoir 31 . A pair of windows 210, such as one window 210 in .

In such embodiments, portion 208 /each window 210 of cartridge 200 can extend from a first position proximal to outlet 60 to a second position proximal to vaporizer 40 . 10C-10E and 10F-10H, a plurality of markings 256 and text indicators 260 are located on first wall portion 212 of reservoir 31 . By positioning the proximal portion 208/window 210 at the outlet 60, this allows the user to release the aerosolizable material within the reservoir 31 when the cartridge 200 is oriented with the outlet 60 facing downward. Allowing residual levels to be more easily observed (see, e.g., aerosolizable material residual level example L ₁ , such a cartridge 200 lowers, as illustrated in FIGS. 10D and 10G). and when there is _a residual level L1 of aerosolizable material left in the reservoir 31).

Returning to the cartridge shown in FIG. 10A, according to some embodiments of cartridge 200, aerosolizable material level observation means 205 comprises at least one light source 260 for illuminating the contents of reservoir 31. be able to. In some embodiments, the light source 260 can be located in the reservoir and/or attached to the walls of the reservoir 31, as shown in FIG. 10A. The light source is preferably powered, and in some embodiments receives power from power supply 16 of control unit 4 when cartridge 200 is coupled to control unit 4 (eg, via contact electrodes 46). is operable to

11A-11C, according to some embodiments of cartridge 200, the optical properties of portion 208 or first wall portion 212 of cartridge 200 are adapted to the user of cartridge 200. can be enabled to be changed by As such, the aerosolizable material level observing means 205 selectively allows the user to observe the level of the aerosolizable material 207 within the reservoir 31 by altering the optical properties of the portions 208, 212 of the cartridge 200. can be provided to enable According to some embodiments, optical properties of portions of cartridge 200 are altered upon application of electrical current to portions of cartridge 200 (eg, via contact electrodes 46 in some embodiments), and/or It can be operable to change in response to an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the optical properties of portions of the cartridge are changed in response to depression of a button or switch 262 that can be located on the cartridge 200 in some particular embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11A. can be configured to If an electrical supply is required for the aerosolizable material level observing means 205, such as the embodiments outlined above, the aerosolizable material level observing means 205 may, in such embodiments, the cartridge 200 It may be operable to receive power from the power source 16 of the control unit 4 when coupled to the control unit 4 (eg, via contact electrodes 46).

The modifiable optical property may be the translucency and/or transparency of portions 208, 212 of cartridge 200 in some embodiments. In that regard, in an operational example, the portion of cartridge 200 has a first state in which the user cannot observe the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31 and a state in which the user can observe the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31. change/switch between observable second states (e.g., a second state in which portions 208, 212 are in a more transparent/translucent configuration than when portions 208, 212 are in the first state); can. Possible materials for the cartridge portions 208, 212 are, in such embodiments, an electrochromic material 260, and in some specific embodiments, electrochromic glass, electrochromic plastic, and/or electrochromic material. Chromic ink can be included. For such an embodiment, FIG. 11C illustrates portions 208, 212 of the cartridge in a first state where the user cannot observe the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31, while FIG. Portions 208, 212 of the cartridge are illustrated in a second state where the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31 can be observed.

Another modified version of cartridge 200 is shown in FIGS. 12A-12B. As shown in these figures, in some embodiments of cartridge 200, aerosolizable material level viewing means 205 is located on a surface of cartridge 200 (eg, but not necessarily limited to, a first front surface of cartridge 200). surface 209A, a second rear surface 209B opposite the front surface 209B, and/or any one or combination of side(s) 209C, 209D disposed between the front surface 209A and the rear surface 209B. It is envisioned that it may include at least one contoured surface 300 located at a The function of the contoured surface 300 is to improve the visibility of the aerosolizable material level 207 in the reservoir, although it is a featureless/non-smooth surface, due to light interaction with the contoured surface.

According to some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the first contoured surface 301 can be located in the reservoir 31 . As shown in those figures, the contoured surface is neither smooth nor featureless, nor is the contoured surface extending from first end 31A of reservoir 31 opposite first end 31A of reservoir 31. It can extend to the second end 31B. Depending on the embodiment, first contoured surface 301 may or may not extend around the entire circumference of reservoir 31 . For example, in some embodiments, first contoured surface 301 can extend around half the circumference of reservoir 31 .

Although in some particular embodiments reservoir 31 includes an elliptical cross-section 206 that includes a major axis and a minor axis, first contoured surface 301 disposed in reservoir 31 is defined by the major axis in such embodiments. may be located at one or both of the intersections of the elliptical cross-section 206 with the . Similarly, in some embodiments, the first contoured surface 301 may not be located at one or both of the intersections of the elliptical cross-section 206 with the minor axis.

According to some embodiments, contoured surface 302 can be located on the outermost surface of cartridge 200 (as shown in FIG. 12A). The presence of the contoured surface 302 on the outermost surface of the cartridge 200 not only provides the user with a gripping means to better hold the cartridge 200, but when the outermost surface is non-opaque, the contoured surface 302 may also be used. The interaction of light also improves the visibility of the aerosolizable material level 207 within the reservoir 31 . Optionally, contoured surface 302 may extend around the entire perimeter of the outermost surface of cartridge 200, in some embodiments (as in the case of FIG. 12A), and in other embodiments. , may not be extended. In some embodiments, contoured surface 302 may extend around half the circumference of the outermost surface of cartridge 200 .

In terms of the shape/contour of each contoured surface 301, 302, one or more of the contoured surfaces 301, 302 may, according to some embodiments, include a plurality of surface features such as grooves. . In some embodiments, one or more of the contoured surfaces 301 , 302 can include multiple surface features in the form of protrusions and/or recesses 303 . As noted above, surface features from these contoured surfaces 301, 302 improve the visibility of the aerosolizable material level 207 within the reservoir 31 due to light interaction with the contoured surfaces.

With respect to the contoured surfaces 301, 302, in some embodiments, each such contoured surface 301, 302 is oriented in a first (width) direction rather than a second (width) direction perpendicular to the first direction. length) direction. In some embodiments, the first direction of the contoured surface can be parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge 200 .

According to some embodiments, the aerosolizable material level observer is located on a surface of cartridge 200, such as the surface located in reservoir 31 and/or the surface located on the outermost surface from cartridge 200. A smooth surface 304 may be included. Where appropriate, these smooth surfaces can be polished. In some particular embodiments, smooth surface 304 can be located on a first side of reservoir 31 and contoured surface 301 is located on a second side of reservoir 31 opposite the first side. . FIG. 12A illustrates such a particular embodiment of cartridge 200. FIG. In that embodiment, two opposing contoured/smooth surfaces 301, 304 can further improve the visibility of the aerosolizable material level 207 within the reservoir 31 by light interaction with the two surfaces 301, 304. . Furthermore, having only one or more of the reservoir sides that are contoured makes the cartridge 200 easier to craft and manufacture, as opposed to having all of the reservoir sides that are contoured. do.

In some of the above embodiments, in view of the materials used in the cartridge 200, in some embodiments the first wall portion 212 and/or the second wall portion 214 are constructed/ can be made. In some embodiments, first wall portion 212 can be constructed/made of a material that is different than the material of second wall portion 214 . Such embodiments can be made using a two-shot molding technique in which each of the various materials is a one-shot molding of the two-shot molding technique. Although this can increase cost, manufacturing complexity, and/or the materials used, the appropriate materials can be selected for each portion of the cartridge to produce the appropriate aerosol with the desired characteristics. A dissolvable material level observer 205 can be formed. Alternatively, other embodiments can use the same material for first wall portion 210 and second wall portion 212 . Such embodiments can be formed using one-shot molding techniques.

According to certain embodiments described above, the reservoir 31 and/or the aerosolizable material level observation means 205 can be made of plastic. Providing plastic for these portions of cartridge 200 makes the cartridge lighter and easier to manufacture.

Thus, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system can generally comprise a housing portion having a mouthpiece end and an interface end, the mouthpiece end being the end of the cartridge. and the interface end includes an interface for coupling the cartridge to a control unit. An air channel wall (which may be formed by various components of the cartridge) extends from an air inlet for the cartridge, through the aerosol generating region near the vaporizer, to the aerosol outlet. The cartridge has a reservoir within the housing portion containing the aerosolizable material for aerosolization. The reservoir is defined by an area within the housing portion outside the air channel, the end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing portion being sealed by an elastomeric plug comprising a base portion and an outer wall, the outer wall of the elastomeric plug extending through the housing. Form a seal with the inner surface of the part. Each end of the aerosolizable material-carrying element passes through an opening in the air channel or into the reservoir to transport the aerosolizable material from the reservoir to the vaporizer.

One aspect of some particular cartridge configurations is the manner in which the resilient plug 44 provides a seal to the housing portion 32, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, according to some implementations, the outer wall 102 of the resilient plug 44 seals to the inner surface of the housing portion 32 to form the end of the aerosolizable material reservoir, but in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. , extends to a location that is farther from the interface end of the cartridge than the aerosolizable material transport element/vaporizer. That is, the ends of the aerosolizable material-carrying element extend into the aerosolizable material reservoir in the area bounded by the outer sealing wall of the resilient plug. This not only helps seal the reservoir against leakage, but also allows the geometry of the reservoir in the area supplying the aerosolizable material to the aerosolizable material transport element to be governed by the geometry of the elastic plug. . For example, the radial thickness of the reservoir in this region can be easily made smaller than the radial thickness at other longitudinal locations along the air channel, which traps the aerosolizable material in the vicinity of the aerosolizable material transport element. and thus help reduce the risk of drying out due to different orientations of the cartridge during use.

The outer wall of the resilient plug is for example the inner surface of the housing portion at a location over a distance of at least 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm and 10 mm in a direction extending from the interface end to the mouthpiece end (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis). can be contacted. The outer wall of the resilient plug can contact the inner surface of the housing over most of this distance, or the outer wall of the resilient plug can have several (eg, four) peripheral ridges 140 to help improve the seal. can include The resilient plug can be slightly oversized relative to the opening in the housing portion so as to be biased into a slight compression. For example, for the implementation shown in FIG. 3B, the internal width of the housing portion into which the resilient plug is inserted in the plane of this view is approximately 17.5 mm, while the corresponding width of the resilient plug is approximately 18 mm. , thus placing the resilient plug in a compressed state upon insertion into the housing portion. As can be most readily seen in FIGS. 5A-5C, while the outer cross-section of the cartridge housing portion is symmetrical under 180 degree rotation, the resilient plug 44 does not have the same symmetry, why? includes a flat portion 142 on one side to accommodate the air channel gap 76 provided by the double-walled portion 74 of the housing portion (i.e., the resilient plug is a double-walled portion of the housing portion). asymmetric in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge to accommodate the portion).

In terms of the radial size/width of the reservoir in the annular region where the aerosolizable material-carrying element extends into the reservoir, the distance between the air channel wall and the outer wall of the elastic plug in this region is, for example, 3 mm to 8 mm. can be in the range of Although the example cartridge discussed above has a generally oblong housing portion and a generally circular air channel, it will be appreciated that the reservoir thickness varies at various locations around the air channel. In this example, the aerosolizable material-transporting element is arranged to extend into the region of the reservoir that is axially widest, i.e., into the "lobe" of the oblong reservoir around the air channel. . The portion of the aerosolizable material-carrying element that extends into the reservoir is, for example, in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, such as in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm, or in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm, measured from the interior of the air channel wall. can have a length. In this regard (and with respect to other aspects of construction), certain geometries allow for the desired rate of aerosolizable material transport, e.g., the capillary strength of the aerosolizable material transport element and the viscosity of the aerosolizable material. , and can be established for a given cartridge design through modeling and empirical testing.

Another aspect of some particular cartridge configurations is that, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, air channels are routed through the cartridge, particularly from the air inlet to the vicinity of the vaporizer (aerosol generating region). It is a style that is done. In particular, while air inlets are typically provided at the interface end of the cartridge in conventional cartridges, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the air inlets for the cartridge are located in the side walls of the housing portion. Located at a location that is farther from the interface end than at least a portion of the resilient plug that seals the end of the reservoir. Thus, the air channel of the cartridge is initially routed from the air inlet towards the interface end, bypassing the elastomeric plug before turning and entering the aerosol generation chamber through the elastomeric plug. This can allow the outer surface of the cartridge to be closed at the interface end closest to the vaporizer, thus allowing air not to be retained (e.g., by saturation/agitation) by the aerosolizable material-carrying element of the air channel. Risk of leakage from the cartridge, both in terms of aerosolizable material coming through the channel openings or vaporized but condensing back into the aerosolizable material in the air channels during use. Helps reduce sex. In some implementations, the distance from the air inlet to the interface end of the housing portion can be at least 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm or 10mm.

In some implementations, an absorbent element, e.g., a portion of sponge material, or a series of channels forming a capillary trap, is located between the air inlet and the aerosol-generating chamber, e.g., at the base of an elastic plug and end caps. Areas formed between the air channels may be provided and further help reduce the risk of leakage by absorbing the aerosolizable material formed in the air channels, so that the aerosolizable material , through the air inlet or towards the aerosol outlet, to help prevent migration around the air channel.

In some implementations, the air channel from the air inlet to the aerosol outlet can have its minimum cross-sectional area passing through the resilient plug hole 106 . That is, the hole of the resilient plug can be primarily responsible for governing the overall resistance to pull the e-cigarette.

Another aspect of some particular cartridge constructions is that, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dividing wall element divides the air reservoir into two regions, i.e., above the dividing wall (i.e., the mouthpiece of the cartridge). an aerosolizable material supply region below the dividing wall (i.e., on the same side of the dividing wall where the aerosolizable material transport element extends from the vaporizer into the reservoir); It is a style that divides into The dividing wall includes openings for directing the flow of aerosolizable material in the main region to the aerosolizable material supply region. The dividing wall can help retain the aerosolizable material in the aerosolizable material application area of the reservoir, such as when the electronic cigarette is tilted through various orientations, which facilitates drying. can help avoid. The dividing wall helps to accurately position the resilient plug during assembly and abuts/presses to maintain the resilient plug under slight compression between the dividing wall and the end cap when the cartridge is assembled. Advantageously, a mechanical stop for the resilient plug can also be provided.

In the examples discussed above, the dividing wall is formed as a separate element forming the housing portion, the inner surface of which is the mouthpiece end of the cartridge for locating the dividing wall along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In other examples, the dividing wall can be integrally formed with the housing portion, including one or more protrusions positioned to contact the side of the dividing wall facing the portion.

In the example discussed above, the dividing wall is in the form of an annular band around the air channel, with four fluid communication openings 150 arranged in respective quadrants of the band. However, more or less openings through the dividing wall can be provided in various implementations. Individual openings can have an area of between 4 mm ^{2 and 15 mm 2 ,} for example.

The area combined for the at least one opening is, as a fraction of the total area of the dividing wall exposed to the aerosolizable material application region of the reservoir region, e.g., 20%-80%, 30%-70%, Alternatively, it can be 40% to 60%.

Although the above description has focused on some specific cartridge configurations that include several different features, cartridges, according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, do not include all of these features. It will be understood that there are For example, in some implementations, an air passageway of the type discussed above, namely an air inlet that is in the side wall of the cartridge and is generally closer to the mouthpiece end of the cartridge than the vaporizer, is provided in the cartridge. It does not include an elastomeric plug with an outer sealing wall extending around the carburetor and/or a dividing wall element of the type discussed above. Similarly, a cartridge with an elastomeric plug with an outer sealing wall extending around the vaporizer may have an air inlet into the cartridge at the interface end of the cartridge, not in the side wall, and at the top. may not have dividing wall elements of the type discussed in . Furthermore, a cartridge that does not include a dividing wall element may be further from the interface end of the cartridge than the vaporizer and/or the extended outer sealing wall for the resilient plug as discussed above. may not include air inlets located in the

Thus, a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit is described, the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing an aerosolizable material, the cartridge separating an aerosol generation area from an air inlet for the cartridge. With an air channel extending through to an outlet and a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material for aerosolization, the cartridge allows the user to observe the level of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir. Further comprising an aerosolizable material level observation means for observing.

A cartridge 200 for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge 200 and a control unit 4 has also been described. Cartridge 200 comprises an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through an aerosol-generating region to an outlet, and a reservoir 31 for containing aerosolizable material for aerosolization. The system comprises a vaporizer 40 for heating the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 31 to generate an aerosol in the aerosol generation region, and the cartridge allows the user to observe the level of the aerosolizable material in the reservoir. an aerosolizable material level observation means for enabling the The aerosolizable material level viewing means can comprise at least one contoured surface 300 located on a surface of the cartridge 200 such as the surface located on the reservoir 31 . Contoured surface 300 improves visibility of the level of aerosolizable material 207 within the reservoir due to light interaction with contoured surface 300 .

A cartridge 2, 200 for an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a cartridge 2, 200 and a control unit 4 is also described, the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material. The cartridge 2,200 includes an air channel extending from an air inlet 50 for the cartridge 2,200 through the aerosol generating region to an outlet 60, a reservoir 31 for containing the aerosolizable material 207 for aerosolization; Prepare. The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level observing means 205 for allowing the user to observe the level of aerosolizable material 207 within reservoir 31 . The aerosolizable material level observation means 205 can comprise at least one contoured surface 300 arranged on the faces 301 , 302 of the cartridge 2 , 200 such that light interaction with the contoured surface 300 causes Improve the visibility of the aerosolizable material level 207.

Embodiments as described in the last item of this specification are also described.

Although the embodiments described above focus in some respects on some specific examples of aerosol delivery systems, it is understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol delivery systems using other technologies. would be That is, the particular manner in which the various aspects of the aerosol delivery system function, for example, in terms of the underlying type of vaporizer and vaporizer technology used, is the underlying form of the examples described herein. No direct relevance to principle.

In that regard, it will also be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the aerosol delivery system described herein. For example, while the vaporizer 40 has been described in some of the above embodiments as being located within the cartridge, in some embodiments the vaporizer is located in the control unit of the aerosol delivery system. It will be appreciated that it is possible.

The teachings herein, such as aerosolizable material level viewing means 205 (and any of its more specific features such as contoured surface 300, portion 208, window 210, and/or light source 260), can be It will also be appreciated that other forms of aerosol delivery system 1 that do not explicitly include 2, 200 and control unit 4 may also be applicable. Hence from the foregoing, an aerosol delivery system may also be provided herein, comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing an aerosolizable material and an air inlet for the aerosol delivery system through an aerosol generating region. and a reservoir for containing the aerosolizable material for aerosolization, the aerosol delivery system allows the user to observe the level of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir. Further comprising an aerosolizable material level observation means for. According to such embodiments, any of the features of the aerosolizable material level viewing means 205, such as those including the contoured surface 300, the portion 208, the window 210, specifically as part of the cartridge 2,200. Rather, it is envisaged that it can form part of the aerosol delivery system 1 itself.

To address various problems and advance the art, this disclosure is taken by way of illustration of various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented merely as an aid to understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). Advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the present disclosure may be construed as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or to equivalents thereof. It should not be considered limiting, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The various embodiments suitably comprise or consist of any combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, other than those specifically described herein, etc. or consist essentially of them, such that the features of the dependent claims/items, in combinations other than those expressly recited in the claims/items, of the independent claims/items It will be appreciated that the features of the items can be combined. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. In short, any combination of feature(s) from one set of items/claims may be combined with any other independent feature(s) from any remaining set of items/claims.

First set of items 1. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level viewing means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

2. The cartridge according to item 1,
An aerosolizable material level observation means comprises part of the cartridge.

3. The cartridge according to item 2,
a cartridge comprising a first side, a second side, a first side and a second side;
Both sides are positioned between the first side and the second side.

4. A cartridge according to item 3,
The first side and the second side slope toward the outlet.

5. 5. The cartridge according to item 3 or 4,
Portions of the cartridge are positioned on at least one of the side surfaces.

6. A cartridge according to item 5,
Portions of the cartridge are located on both sides.

7. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 6,
A portion of the cartridge is positioned on the first surface.

8. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 7,
A portion of the cartridge is positioned on the second surface.

9. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 8,
A portion of the cartridge is positioned proximal to the outlet.

10. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 9,
A portion of the cartridge is provided with a window for viewing into the reservoir.

11. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 10,
Part of the cartridge is translucent.

12. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 11,
Part of the cartridge is transparent.

13. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 12,
a portion of the cartridge forms a first wall portion of the reservoir;
The first wall portion has a maximum thickness of 1 mm or less.

14. 14. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 13,
a portion of the cartridge forms a first wall portion of the reservoir;
The reservoir further comprises a second wall portion.

15. 15. The cartridge according to item 13 or 14,
A first wall portion defines a first recess within the reservoir.

16. The cartridge according to any one of items 13 to 15,
A first wall portion defines a second recess in the outer surface of the cartridge.

17. The cartridge according to any one of items 14 to 16,
The first wall portion is more transparent than the second wall portion.

18. The cartridge according to any one of items 14 to 17,
The first wall portion is more translucent than the second wall portion.

19. The cartridge according to any one of items 14 to 18,
the first wall portion comprises a first concentration of colored pigment;
the second wall portion comprises a second concentration of colored pigment;
The first density is less than the second density.

20. 20. The cartridge according to item 19,
The first concentration of colored pigment is less than or equal to 1 g of pigment per kg of first wall portion.

21. 21. The cartridge according to item 19 or 20,
The first concentration of colored pigment is less than or equal to 0.9 g of pigment per kg of first wall portion.

22. The cartridge according to any one of items 19 to 21,
The first concentration of colored pigment is less than or equal to 0.85 g of pigment per kg of first wall portion.

23. The cartridge according to any one of items 19 to 22,
The second concentration of colored pigment exceeds 1 g of pigment per kg of the second wall portion.

24. The cartridge according to any one of items 19 to 23,
The second concentration of colored pigment exceeds 1.3 g of pigment per kg of second wall portion.

25. The cartridge according to any one of items 19 to 24,
The second concentration of colored pigment exceeds 1.6 g of pigment per kg of second wall portion.

26. The cartridge according to any one of items 13 to 25,
A first wall portion is made of plastic.

27. The cartridge according to any one of items 14 to 26,
A second wall portion is made of plastic.

28. The cartridge according to any one of items 14 to 27,
The first wall portion has a maximum thickness less than the maximum thickness of the second wall portion.

29. The cartridge according to any one of items 14 to 28,
The first wall portion comprises a material that is different than the material of the second wall portion.

30. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosol exit tube extending between the aerosol generation region and the exit is further provided for directing the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region through to the exit.

31. 31. The cartridge of item 30,
A reservoir extends around the aerosol exit tube.

32. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
The reservoir is annular.

33. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A reservoir contains an aerosolizable material for aerosolization.

34. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A vaporizer is arranged in the cartridge.

35. An aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of the preceding items,
a control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with the cartridge to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit;
A control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.

36. 36. The aerosol delivery system of item 35,
A control circuit is configured to selectively supply power from the power source to a vaporizer located on the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces.

Second set of items 1. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level viewing means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

2. The cartridge according to item 1,
The cartridge further comprises cover means for inhibiting visibility of parts of the cartridge by a user.

3. The cartridge according to item 2,
A cover means comprises an opaque sheet material attached to the face of the cartridge.

4. A cartridge according to item 3,
The sheet material is the label.

5. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 4,
A cover means comprises an opaque material forming part of the cartridge.

6. A cartridge according to item 5,
An opaque material is an opaque plastic.

7. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 6,
A part is equipped with a vaporizer.

8. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 7,
A portion comprises an aerosol-generating region.

9. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 8,
The part comprises air channels.

10. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A reservoir is made of plastic.

11. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosolizable material level observation means further comprises part of the cartridge.

12. 12. The cartridge according to item 11,
Part of the cartridge is translucent.

13. 13. The cartridge according to item 11 or 12,
Part of the cartridge is transparent.

14. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosol exit tube extending between the aerosol generation region and the exit is further provided for directing the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region through to the exit.

15. 15. The cartridge according to item 14,
A reservoir extends around the aerosol exit tube.

16. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
The reservoir is annular.

17. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A reservoir contains an aerosolizable material for aerosolization.

18. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A vaporizer is arranged in the cartridge.

19. An aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of the preceding items,
a control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with the cartridge to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit;
A control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.

20. 20. The aerosol delivery system according to item 19,
A control circuit is configured to selectively supply power from the power source to a vaporizer located on the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces.

Third set of items 1. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level viewing means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

2. The cartridge according to item 1,
An aerosolizable material level observation means comprises part of the cartridge.

3. The cartridge according to item 2,
A portion of the cartridge is provided with a window for viewing into the reservoir.

4. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 3,
The optical properties of the portion of the cartridge are operable to be altered by a user of the cartridge.

5. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 4,
The optical properties of the portion of the cartridge are operable to be altered upon application of electrical current to the portion of the cartridge.

6. A cartridge according to item 4 or 5,
An optical property is the translucency of a portion of the cartridge.

7. The cartridge according to any one of items 4 to 6,
An optical property is the transparency of a portion of the cartridge.

8. The cartridge according to any one of items 4 to 7,
Optical properties of portions of the cartridge are configured to be altered in response to the electrical signal.

9. The cartridge according to any one of items 4 to 8,
Optical properties of portions of the cartridge are configured to be altered in response to depression of the button or switch.

10. 10. The cartridge of item 9,
A button or switch is located on the cartridge.

11. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 10,
A portion of the cartridge contains electrochromic material.

12. 12. The cartridge according to item 11,
Electrochromic materials include electrochromic glasses.

13. 13. The cartridge according to item 11 or 12,
Electrochromic materials include electrochromic plastics.

14. The cartridge according to any one of items 11 to 13,
Electrochromic materials include electrochromic inks.

15. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosol exit tube extending between the aerosol generation region and the exit is further provided for directing the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region through to the exit.

16. 16. The cartridge according to item 15,
A reservoir extends around the aerosol exit tube.

17. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
The reservoir is annular.

18. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A reservoir contains an aerosolizable material for aerosolization.

19. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A vaporizer is arranged in the cartridge.

20. An aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of the preceding items,
a control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with the cartridge to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit;
A control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.

21. 21. The aerosol delivery system according to item 20,
A control circuit is configured to selectively supply power from the power source to a vaporizer located on the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces.

22. 22. The aerosol delivery system according to item 20 or 21,
An aerosolizable material level observation means is operable to receive power from the power supply of the control unit when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit.

Fourth set of items 1. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level viewing means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

2. The cartridge according to item 1,
An aerosolizable material level observation means comprises part of the cartridge.

3. The cartridge according to item 2,
A portion of the cartridge includes a first window for viewing into the reservoir.

4. A cartridge according to item 3,
A portion of the cartridge includes a second window for admitting light into the reservoir.

5. 5. The cartridge of item 4,
A second window has a different shape than the shape of the first window.

6. A cartridge according to item 4 or 5,
a first window positioned on a first side of the reservoir;
A second window is located on a second side of the reservoir opposite the first side.

7. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 6,
Each window has a maximum dimension of 30 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.

8. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 7,
The first window is elongated.

9. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 8,
Part of the cartridge is translucent.

10. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 9,
Part of the cartridge is transparent.

11. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 10,
a portion of the cartridge forms a first wall portion of the reservoir;
The first wall portion has a maximum thickness of 1 mm or less.

12. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 11,
a portion of the cartridge forms a first wall portion of the reservoir;
The reservoir further comprises a second wall portion.

13. 13. The cartridge according to item 11 or 12,
A first wall portion defines a first recess within the reservoir.

14. The cartridge according to any one of items 11 to 13,
A first wall portion defines a second recess in the outer surface of the cartridge.

15. The cartridge according to any one of items 12 to 15,
The first wall portion is more transparent than the second wall portion.

16. The cartridge according to any one of items 12 to 15,
The first wall portion is more translucent than the second wall portion.

17. The cartridge according to any one of items 12 to 16,
The first wall portion has a maximum thickness less than the maximum thickness of the second wall portion.

18. The cartridge according to any one of items 12 to 17,
The first wall portion comprises a material that is different than the material of the second wall portion.

19. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosol exit tube extending between the aerosol generation region and the exit is further provided for directing the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region through to the exit.

20. 20. The cartridge according to item 19,
A reservoir extends around the aerosol exit tube.

21. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
The reservoir is annular.

22. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A reservoir contains an aerosolizable material for aerosolization.

23. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A vaporizer is arranged in the cartridge.

24. An aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of the preceding items,
a control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with the cartridge to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit;
A control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.

25. 25. The aerosol delivery system of item 24,
A control circuit is configured to selectively supply power from the power source to a vaporizer located on the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces.

Fifth set of items 1. A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
The cartridge further comprises aerosolizable material level viewing means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

2. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosolizable material level observation means is located on the wall of the reservoir.

3. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosolizable material level monitoring means includes a plurality of markings on the cartridge to allow a user to gauge the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir against the plurality of markings.

4. A cartridge according to item 3,
A plurality of markings includes a plurality of parallel lines.

5. 5. The cartridge according to item 3 or 4,
A plurality of markings are recessed into the face of the cartridge.

6. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 5,
A plurality of markings protrude from the face of the cartridge.

7. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 6,
A plurality of markings protrude from the surface of the reservoir.

8. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 7,
A plurality of markings are opaque.

9. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 8,
A plurality of markings are surrounded by a portion of the cartridge that is transparent.

10. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 9,
A plurality of markings are surrounded by a portion of the cartridge that is translucent.

11. 11. The cartridge according to item 9 or 10,
Part of the cartridge is made of plastic.

12. The cartridge according to any one of items 3 to 11,
a plurality of markings disposed on a first wall portion of the reservoir;
A plurality of markings protrude into the reservoir.

13. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 12,
A plurality of markings includes a text indicator to gauge the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

14. 14. The cartridge according to item 13,
A text indicator includes multiple percentages between 0% and 100%.

15. 15. The cartridge according to any one of items 13-14,
A text indicator includes a plurality of fractions between 0 and 1.

16. The cartridge according to any one of items 13 to 15,
A text indicator includes a plurality of volumetric quantities in imperial units.

17. The cartridge according to any one of items 13 to 16,
A text indicator contains multiple volumetric quantities in meters.

18. 18. The cartridge according to any one of items 2 to 17,
A plurality of markings has a combined maximum dimension of 30 mm or less.

19. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A reservoir contains an aerosolizable material for aerosolization.

20. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosolizable material level viewing means includes a light source for illuminating the contents of the reservoir.

21. 21. The cartridge according to item 20,
The light source is powered.

22. 22. The cartridge according to item 20 or 21,
A light source is positioned in the reservoir.

23. The cartridge according to any one of items 20 to 22,
A light source is attached to the wall of the reservoir.

24. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
An aerosol exit tube extending between the aerosol generating region and the outlet is further included for directing the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating region through to the exit.

25. 25. The cartridge of item 24,
A reservoir extends around the aerosol exit tube.

26. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
The reservoir is annular.

27. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding items,
A vaporizer is arranged in the cartridge.

28. An aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of the preceding items,
a control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with the cartridge to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit;
A control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.

29. 29. The aerosol delivery system of item 28,
A control circuit is configured to selectively supply power from the power source to a vaporizer located on the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces.

30. 30. The aerosol delivery system according to item 28 or 29,
An aerosolizable material level observation means is operable to receive power from the power supply of the control unit when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit.

31. An aerosol delivery system according to any one of items 28-30, when further dependent on any one of items 20-23, comprising:
A light source is operable to receive power from a power supply of the control unit when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit.

32. A method of observing the level of aerosolizable material in a reservoir from a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system, comprising:
the cartridge
an aerosol outlet;
an air channel extending from an air inlet for the cartridge through the aerosol generating region to an aerosol outlet;
an aerosolizable material level observation means for allowing a user to observe the level of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir;
The method includes using an aerosolizable material level observer to observe the level of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir.

33. 33. The method of item 32, wherein
the cartridge
a reservoir within the housing portion containing the aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
an aerosolizable material transport element for transporting the aerosolizable material from the reservoir to the vaporizer;
the method is
passing the aerosolizable material from the reservoir through the aerosolizable material transport element;
forming an aerosol within the aerosol generation region using the vaporizer.

Claims (37)

A cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and a control unit,
the system comprising a vaporizer for vaporizing the aerosolizable material;
the cartridge
an air channel extending from an air inlet for said cartridge through an aerosol-generating region to an outlet;
a reservoir for containing an aerosolizable material for aerosolization;
A cartridge, wherein said cartridge further comprises an aerosolizable material level observation means for allowing a user to observe the level of aerosolizable material within said reservoir. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein said aerosolizable material level viewing means comprises at least one contoured surface located on a face of said cartridge. comprising a first side, a second side, a first side and a second side;
3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein said side surfaces are located between said first surface and said second surface. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the contoured surface is located on at least one of the side surfaces. 5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein the contoured surfaces are located on both of the side surfaces. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said contoured surface is located on said first surface. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein said contoured surface is located on said second surface. The cartridge of any one of claims 2-7, wherein the contoured surface is located proximal to the outlet. A cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said contoured surface is located in said reservoir. said reservoir having an elliptical cross-section including a major axis and a minor axis;
10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein said contoured surface is located at the intersection of said elliptical cross-section with said major axis. 11. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein said contoured surface is not located at the intersection of said elliptical cross-section with said minor axis. 12. The contoured surface of any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the contoured surface extends from a first end of the reservoir to a second end of the reservoir opposite the first end. Cartridge as described. A cartridge according to any one of claims 2-12, wherein the contoured surface does not extend around the entire circumference of the reservoir. A cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the contoured surface is located on the outermost surface of the cartridge. 15. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the contoured surface does not extend around the entire perimeter of the outermost surface of the cartridge. The cartridge of any one of claims 2-16, wherein the contoured surface comprises a plurality of grooves. A cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein said contoured surface comprises a plurality of protrusions and/or recesses. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein said aerosolizable material level observation means comprises a smooth surface located on the face of said cartridge. 19. The cartridge of Claim 18, wherein the smooth surface is located in the reservoir. 20. A cartridge according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the smooth surface is located on the outermost surface from the cartridge. said aerosolizable material level observation means comprising:
a smooth surface within the reservoir;
The cartridge of any one of claims 1-20, comprising a contoured surface within the reservoir. said smooth surface being disposed on a first side of said reservoir;
22. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein said contoured surface is located on a second side of said reservoir opposite said first side. A cartridge according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the smooth surface is polished. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir is made of plastic. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein said aerosolizable material level observation means is made of plastic. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein said aerosolizable material level observation means comprises a portion of said cartridge. 27. The cartridge of claim 26, wherein said portion of said cartridge is translucent. 28. A cartridge according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said portion of said cartridge is transparent. 29. Any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising an aerosol exit tube extending between said aerosol generating region and said outlet for directing aerosol generated in said aerosol generating region therethrough to said outlet. cartridge described in . 30. The cartridge of Claim 29, wherein the reservoir extends around the aerosol exit tube. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir is annular. the reservoir is
a first end proximal to the outlet of the cartridge;
A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second end proximal to the vaporizer. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir comprises an elliptical cross-section. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir contains said aerosolizable material for aerosolization. 35. The cartridge of any one of items 1-34, wherein the vaporizer is arranged in the cartridge. An aerosol delivery system comprising the cartridge and a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 35,
said control unit comprising a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged for cooperative engagement with said cartridge to releasably couple said cartridge to said control unit;
An aerosol delivery system, wherein the control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry. 37. The control circuit is configured to selectively supply power from the power source to a vaporizer located on the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces. an aerosol delivery system as described in .

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